Meet a recruitment consultant
Meet Pernille Lund Jensen, a Recruitment Consultant at Workindenmark. Pernille will offer insight into her work at Workindenmark, and she will provide tips, you might find useful if or when you apply for jobs in Denmark
Q: Tell us about yourself and your job at Workindenmark?
P.J: I started as a recruitment consultant at Workindenmark in January 2021, and have previously worked in the recruitment industry for several years. I have successfully matched a lot of companies and job seekers over the years and helped candidates with their job search.
At Workindenmark, I help Danish companies recruit highly skilled, international candidates for positions that are difficult to fill. I help a wide variety of companies of different sizes, industries, and backgrounds. I promote the companies’ positions in our international network and search for relevant candidates in the CV database at the European Job Mobility Portal – EURES.
Q: Why is it a good idea to post your CV on Workindenmark.dk and EURES?
P.J: You should post your CV on the EURES portal (remember to choose Denmark, so we can find you), because it is always good to have an extra set of eyes looking for relevant positions for you. Whenever we are asked to refer relevant candidates for a position, we always look through the CV databases. If you have posted your CV, we can suggest relevant positions to you. Furthermore, Danish companies may use the databases to search for relevant CVs, so registering in the databases can be a great way to gain exposure on the Danish job market.
Q: What happens after I post a CV?
P.J: We search for relevant candidates for specific positions almost every single day. If you match a position, we will email you links with information about the position, plus helpful tips and tricks regarding your CV and cover letter. If you are interested in the position, you should apply directly with the company.
Q: What are your tips for job seekers?
P.J: 1. Reach out: Do not be afraid to contact Danish companies, even if they do not currently have an open position. A lot of the Danish job market is invisible, meaning that many positions are not posted anywhere. It can therefore be beneficial to connect with managers at interesting companies to establish a connection or make your interest in the company known. Please, remember to always be prepared when contacting companies and focus on how you can help them. You could also follow interesting companies on their social media, so you receive news updates.
2. Paint a picture: Many recruiters receive hundreds of applications for one position. Try making your application stand out by helping the recruiter picture you in the particular position. Use descriptive language, examples of how you would approach certain tasks, and always target your cover letter and CV to the specific position and company.
3. Why? During your job search, it can be a good idea to continuously ask and answer the question: why? Why are you interested in this position, company, industry, and country? If you successfully answer these questions, you might be well on your way to getting a job in Denmark.
Q: Do you know any interesting job search facts about Denmark?
P.J: 1. 49% of Danish companies used LinkedIn to close a position in 2020.
2. Danish employers usually pay more attention to your work experience than your grades.
3. 52 % of Danish companies believe that the biggest mistake in a CV is not to include previous results.
Q: Do you know any interesting facts about Denmark?
P.J: 1. You will never be more than 52 kilometers from the ocean in Denmark.
2. The pastry called “Danish” was not invented in Denmark, but in Vienna. That is why we call the pastry “Wienerbrød” or “Viennese bread”.
3. The word hygge is unique to the Danish language. It describes the cozy feeling of togetherness, and it reflects an essential part of Danish culture.
Q: What do you enjoy about living in Denmark?
P.J: The Danish lifestyle focuses on a high living standard and enables you to priorities the things that matter to you. You can drink water from the tap, breathe fresh air, and eat good quality food. The work-life balance is excellent, the crime rate is low, and the healthcare system is one of the best in the world.
Q: How can Workindenmark help me?
P.J: On our website, Workindenmark.dk, you are able to find a lot of relevant information about finding a job in Denmark, and moving to and living in Denmark. You can also find job search related e-learning courses and webinars.
Q: What do you think characterize the Danish workplace culture?
P.J: Generally, the Danish workplace culture is informal, open, and focused on independence. In Denmark, we usually call everyone, from the trainee to the CEO, by their first name, and we tend not to use “Sir” or “Ms/Mrs”. Most Danish companies have a flat hierarchy with a short distance between the manager and employees. It is common for everyone to contribute and express their opinions. In a Danish workplace, you are expected to work independently and show initiative. The manager might not check up on your work or give you new tasks.
Q: What do you think are some of the big industries in Denmark?
P.J: 1. Energy: The diverse Danish energy sector plays an important role in Denmark’s economy. A focus on renewable energy sources has made Denmark one of the world's largest manufactures of windmills.
2. Robotics: In only few years, Denmark has established one of the leading robotics and automation industries in the world. Particularly in the market for mobile robots and industrial robots that work alongside human beings, Danish businesses are leading in the global market. A market that is expected to grow by over 30% annually until 2025.
3. Biotech/Pharma: The Danish pharma and biotech industry is among the best and most innovative in the world. The Danish biotechnology cluster is a major world player, especially in areas such as enzymes, CNS research, diabetes and cancer research.
4. Transport: Denmark has made major investments in the transport sector. Denmark has several airports, harbours, and a modern transport network of motorways and railways. Denmark is continuously investing in improving and modernizing its infrastructure.
5. Shipping: Denmark is one of the world’s largest maritime shipping nations. The demand for Danish maritime products and services is only increasing.